CHSRA unveils bid results for first phase of system construction

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has identified Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons, a Joint Venture, as the best scoring team for the design-build contract to begin construction of the Madera to Fresno segment, the first section of the high-speed rail system.

CHSRA had estimated the cost for the design-build contract to be between $1.2 billion and $1.8 billion. CHSRA determined that Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons, who bid $985,142,530, was the "apparent best value."

"Today is a significant milestone," said Jeff Morales, CEO of CHSRA. "We received proposals from five world-class teams and are moving forward to deliver a world-class program. It's time to get to work in the Central Valley and create thousands of jobs."

In the competitive bidding process, five teams submitted proposals for the first design-build contract. The proposals were evaluated and ranked based on 30 percent for technical merit and 70 percent for cost. Factors, such as an understanding of the project, schedule capability, project approach and safety were part of the technical scoring.

CHSRA will continue to work through the ongoing procurement process and a contract will be presented to the its board of directors in the coming weeks.